Associated Press Published

Yeager Airport Eyes State Funding for Slide Area

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Yeager Airport officials are seeking state funding of up to $35 million to rebuild a landslide-prone hill near the airport.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports they’re prepared to ask Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and legislators to tap the state’s so-called rainy day fund for $25 million to $35 million. That is the sum they believe is needed to begin rebuilding the safety-overrun zone that collapsed in a March 12 landslide.

Ed Hill is chairman of the airport’s governing board, and he said Thursday the airport can’t wait for insurance and lawsuit settlements to begin the work.

He cited an incident four years ago when the safety overrun stopped a jet carrying 34 on during an aborted takeoff.

The state’s two Rainy Day Funds had nearly $858 million as of September.